Ellis, Franklin and Green Squares, Savannah Georgia

Ellis Square

This square was one of the original four squares, laid out in 1733. It was always referred to as Marketplace Square because that was its use. The square was named for Henry Ellis, second Royal Governor. On the West side of the square, the City Market complex extends for two blocks over to Franklin Square.

This is the site of the Old City Market which was demolished in the early 1950s. The loss of this structure upset residents to the extent that efforts began to prevent further losses of irreplaceable buildings.

Franklin Square

This square is located on Montgomery Street between Congress and Bryan Streets.

It was named for Benjamin Franklin who had been the Georgia Colony's agent in London.

It was laid out in 1791 and for many years the City's water tower was here so it was referred to as Water Tower or Reservoir Square.

The First African Baptist Church is located on the West side of the square and the end of the City Market complex is on the East side.

Franklin Square was restored in the 1980s.

Greene Square

This square was named to honor Gen. Nathanial Greene, second in command to George Washington in the American Revolution. On the Southwest corner, the Meyerhoff house is built of Savannah Gray Brick and a sign on the house notes that these bricks were made at the Hermitage Plantation.

The Second African Baptist Church, dating to 1802 is on the West side of the square. At this church, Sherman made his famous "Forty Acres and a Mule" promise to the newly freed slaves. Also on this square is the 1801 wooden building that was the Savannah Female Orphan Asylum.

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